Diplomatic missions reflect on international relations

05 Dec 2016 18:10pm

WINDHOEK, 05 DEC (NAMPA)  A number of bi-lateral agreements were signed in 2016 which presented opportunities to strengthen trade at all levels, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said here on Monday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was speaking during the ministrys year-end briefing with diplomats accredited to Namibia.
She said Namibia is at the centre of bi-lateral relations with a focus to bring about employment amongst unemployed youth, women empowerment and sustainable development in relation to Agenda 2063.
Agenda 2063 aims for a global strategy to optimise use of Africas resources for the benefits of all Africans.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said despite challenges of drought and as a country vulnerable to the impact of climate change, Namibia played its part to contribute to and uphold its role in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which was adopted in December 2015 and ratified in September this year.
The agreement aims to strengthen societys ability to deal with the impacts of climate change.
She also touched on regional integration as top priority for the Namibian Government, with the overall goal to make Africa self-sustainable and industrialised by 2063.
Agenda 2063 and 2030 Agenda can only be implemented by domesticating these instruments (agreements). Namibia has already started the process through the National Planning Commission to ensure the instruments become a reality.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, while seeking to strengthen universal peace.
Looking back on diplomatic activities and the implementation of the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) in 2016, Nandi-Ndaitwah said her ministry and the diplomatic corps have to pay special attention to tasks assigned within the framework of Pillar Five.
The fifth pillar of the HPP is our direct responsibility as it seeks to implement international systems, she stated, while highlighting the Foreign Policy Review Conference that was held earlier this year.
She said all diplomatic missions in the country managed to implement the fifth pillar of the HPP during that conference by mobilising the private sector in their own countries.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also expressed concern over the conflict crisis in Syria and Libya, noting that this calls for reform of the United Nations Security Council.
She said it seems as if some countries benefit from the suffering of others.
I find it strange that countries with prolonged conflict have strategic resources, said the minister.
(NAMPA)
ANS/LI/ND